A government audit has revealed serious financial mismanagement in Uttarakhand, where funds meant for forest conservation were allegedly misused for purchasing iPhones, office décor, and other unrelated expenses. The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India, in its report for the 2021-22 financial year, flagged major violations by the forest and health departments as well as the Workers Welfare Board, accusing them of spending public money without proper approvals.
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Rs 607 Crore Spent Without Permission
The CAG report, tabled in the Uttarakhand Assembly during the Budget Session, exposed that the Workers Welfare Board spent Rs 607 crore between 2017 and 2021 without seeking government approval. The report also highlighted violations in the transfer of forest land for non-forestry activities.
Funds Meant for Conservation Diverted
One of the most alarming findings was the misuse of nearly Rs 14 crore from the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA)—a fund specifically created to counterbalance the loss of forest land. Instead of being used for afforestation, the money was allegedly spent on laptops, refrigerators, air coolers, office renovations, and even legal expenses.
The report also raised concerns about delays in compensatory afforestation projects. As per CAMPA guidelines, tree plantation should be done within one to two years of fund allocation. However, in 37 cases, afforestation was delayed by over eight years.
Additionally, the CAG pointed out irregularities in the selection of land under the CAMPA scheme and unauthorized forest land transfers. While the Centre had granted initial approvals for projects like roads, power lines, and railways, the final nod from the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) was required. Shockingly, between 2014 and 2022, at least 52 projects began without the necessary permissions.
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Low Tree Survival Rate Raises Concerns
The audit also flagged the poor survival rate of trees planted under afforestation efforts. Between 2017 and 2022, only 33% of the planted saplings survived, which is far below the 60-65% survival rate recommended by the Forest Research Institute (FRI).
Beyond financial mismanagement in the forest department, the CAG report uncovered serious lapses in Uttarakhand’s healthcare system. At least three government hospitals were found to have stocks of 34 expired medicines, some of which had been expired for over two years.
Shortage of Specialist Doctors in Uttarakhand
The report also highlighted a severe shortage of specialist doctors in the state. It revealed that 70% of specialist doctor positions in hilly areas and 50% in the plains remain vacant. The audit also found that 250 doctors continued working despite violating lockdown regulations.
Following the report’s release, the Congress party accused the Uttarakhand government of financial mismanagement and reckless spending. However, Uttarakhand Forest Minister Subodh Uniyal responded by announcing a probe into the allegations related to his department.
With massive fund mismanagement, environmental concerns, and healthcare failures, the CAG report has raised serious questions about governance in Uttarakhand. Whether action will be taken against those responsible remains to be seen.
